The tragic crash that took the lives of six teenage girls in Oklahoma was likely caused by one of the driver’s impairment from marijuana use.
On March 22, 2022, Madison Robertson, a 16-year-old girl, was driving her friends when the devastating crash occurred.
Robertson failed to stop at a notorious intersection, causing her car to be struck by a semi-truck.
The crash ripped apart the 2015 Chevy Spark that Robertson and her five friends were traveling in.
Robertson, along with Gracie Machado, Brooklyn Triplett, and Austin Holt, all aged 15, and Addison Gratz and Memory Wilson, both 17, tragically lost their lives in the collision.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) launched an investigation into the crash.
The report found that Madison Robertson likely accelerated past the stop sign at the intersection due to marijuana impairment.
Robertson had cannabis in her system at the time of the crash, as confirmed by a toxicology report.
The tests showed a THC concentration of 95.9 nanograms per milliliter, far beyond the legal threshold for impaired driving.
However, Robertson tested negative for alcohol, indicating that marijuana was likely the cause of her impaired driving.
The incident occurred at the intersection of Oklahoma 22 highway, a location known for its dangerous junction.
Robertson’s vehicle was hit on the driver’s side by a gravel truck being driven by Valendon Burton, 51.
Despite attempts to avoid the collision, Burton struck the vehicle at 50 miles per hour.
The impact of the crash caused the car’s roof to be ripped off, and the vehicle was pushed 300 feet from the point of collision.
All six teenagers died from multiple blunt force injuries.
Investigators from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol also found vaping mouthpieces and cannabis buds in the car after the crash.
The NTSB report revealed that Robertson had slowed down for the intersection before accelerating past the stop sign.
It was likely that Robertson was distracted by her friends in the car, further impairing her judgment.
The failure to yield to the oncoming truck, which was traveling at high speed, resulted in a catastrophic accident.
The truck driver, Valendon Burton, was found to have no drugs or alcohol in his system, and he was not charged in connection with the crash.
Robertson’s actions, however, led to a horrific outcome that could have been avoided.
The report highlighted how marijuana use slows reaction times, decreases motor coordination, and impairs a driver’s ability to judge time and distance.
The crash was not only a tragedy for the families of the victims but also a wake-up call for the risks of driving under the influence of marijuana.
The state of Oklahoma does not allow recreational marijuana use but permits its use for medical purposes.
However, it is illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana in all states, including Oklahoma.
NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy expressed concern over the growing misconception that marijuana is safe for driving in states where it is legal.
“There’s a perception that in states where it’s legal, it’s safe and legal to drive impaired on marijuana,” Homendy said.
She emphasized that marijuana impairs driving ability, just like alcohol, and it is dangerous to drive after smoking or using the drug.
In addition to discussing the risks of driving under the influence of marijuana, Homendy urged parents to educate their children about the dangers of cannabis-impaired driving.
“Unfortunately, state laws legalizing marijuana have been far ahead of efforts to address traffic safety,” she stated.
The NTSB also recommended that states adopt programs to educate young people about the risks of driving after smoking marijuana.
Keaton Milburn, whose daughter died in a similar crash, spoke about the importance of such educational programs.
“Kids need to understand that smoking marijuana and getting behind the wheel is not safe,” she said. “We need to prevent these tragedies from happening.”
The NTSB’s findings reflect a broader trend across the country, with increasing numbers of drivers involved in fatal crashes testing positive for marijuana.
In Washington, where recreational marijuana use is legal, the NTSB has noted an uptick in fatal crashes involving drivers who were impaired by cannabis.
Oklahoma’s NTSB investigation stressed the need for better communication about the dangers of marijuana-impaired driving.
“The drug impairs reaction times, and it is dangerous to drive under the influence,” Homendy said.
The NTSB report revealed that the marijuana impairment was likely the key factor leading to the crash.
It is important to note that the crash would not have happened had Robertson followed traffic laws and not been impaired.
The findings of the NTSB have led to a wider discussion about marijuana and driving safety.
Many experts believe that stronger enforcement of driving laws related to marijuana use is needed to prevent further tragedies.
In states where marijuana use is legal, police departments must work to better enforce laws against driving under the influence.
“The risk of traffic fatalities caused by marijuana impairment is real, and we must act to prevent it,” Homendy added.
Many people are unaware of the dangers posed by driving while impaired by marijuana, and it is crucial to raise awareness.
The NTSB is urging lawmakers to work with educational institutions to develop programs that will teach young people about the dangers of driving while impaired by marijuana.
Studies have shown that cannabis slows reaction time, impairing a driver’s ability to respond quickly to unexpected events on the road.
In the case of Robertson, this impairment resulted in her failing to yield to the oncoming truck.
The crash left six teenagers dead and devastated their families, friends, and community.
The Oklahoma Department of Education has been asked to develop a program to teach students about the dangers of marijuana and impaired driving.
The NTSB has also called for increased enforcement to prevent marijuana-impaired driving, especially in states where marijuana use is legal.
The crash serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers of driving while under the influence of any substance, whether it be alcohol, marijuana, or any other drug.
While marijuana use is legal in some places, it is still dangerous to drive under its influence.
Education, enforcement, and awareness are crucial to reducing the number of tragedies caused by marijuana-impaired driving.
As marijuana laws continue to change, it is important to remember the dangers that come with using any substance and operating a vehicle.
The crash in Oklahoma is a somber reminder of the devastating consequences of impaired driving and the need for more education and better enforcement.